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Korbecki J, Bosiacki M, Kupnicka P, Barczak K, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. CXCR4 as a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02326-3. [PMID: 39261603 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02326-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Extensive research on the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has resulted in the incorporation of novel anti-leukemia drugs targeting this axis into therapeutic strategies. However, despite this progress, a comprehensive and up-to-date review addressing the role of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis in AML's oncogenic processes is lacking. In this review, we examine its molecular aspects influencing cancer progression, such as its impact on autonomous proliferation, apoptotic regulation, chemoresistance mechanisms, and interactions with non-leukemic cells such as MSCs and Treg cells. Additionally, we explore clinical implications, including prognosis, correlation with WBC count, blast count in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, as well as its association with FLT3-ITD, NPM1 mutations, and FAB classification. Finally, this paper extensively discusses drugs that specifically target the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis, including plerixafor/AMD3100, ulocuplumab, peptide E5, and motixafortide, shedding light on their potential therapeutic value in the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zyty 28, 65-046, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bosiacki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Barczak
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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Martino EA, Bruzzese A, Labanca C, Mendicino F, Lucia E, Olivito V, Stanzione G, Zimbo A, Pozzi S, Neri A, Morabito F, Vigna E, Gentile M. Investigational CXCR4 inhibitors in early phase development for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:915-924. [PMID: 39096094 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2388567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CXCR4/CXCL12 axis regulates cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as the homing and mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from bone marrow niches to the peripheral blood. Furthermore, CXCR4 and CXCL12 are key mediators of cross-talk between hematological malignancies and their microenvironments. CXCR4 overexpression drives disease progression, boosts tumor cell survival, and promotes chemoresistance, leading to poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED In light of these discoveries, scientific investigations, and clinical trials have underscored the therapeutic promise found in small-molecule antagonists like plerixafor, peptides/peptidomimetics, such as BKT140, monoclonal antibodies like PF-06747143 and ulocuplumab, as well as microRNAs. Their efficacy is evident in reducing tumor burden, inducing apoptosis and sensitizing malignant cells to conventional chemotherapies. This overview delves into the pathogenic role of the CXC4/CXCL12 axis in hematological neoplasms and examines the clinical application of key CXCR4 antagonists. EXPERT OPINION The information collectively emphasizes the potential of CXCR4 antagonists as a therapeutic strategy for hematologic malignancies, showcasing advancements in preclinical and clinical studies. As these therapeutic strategies progress through clinical trials, their potential to reshape the prognosis of hematologic malignancies will become increasingly apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eugenio Lucia
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Gaia Stanzione
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Policlinico-S. Marco, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Zimbo
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
- UOC Laboratorio Analisi Cliniche, Biomolecolari e Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Stefano Pozzi
- Ematologia Azienda USL-IRCSS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Scientific Directorate IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, EmiliaRomagna, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Vigna
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Massimo Gentile
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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3
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Cuevas D, Amigo R, Agurto A, Heredia AA, Guzmán C, Recabal-Beyer A, González-Pecchi V, Caprile T, Haigh JJ, Farkas C. The Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Transcription Factors (EMT-TFs) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1915. [PMID: 39200378 PMCID: PMC11351244 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a diverse malignancy originating from myeloid progenitor cells, with significant genetic and clinical variability. Modern classification systems like those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and European LeukemiaNet use immunophenotyping, molecular genetics, and clinical features to categorize AML subtypes. This classification highlights crucial genetic markers such as FLT3, NPM1 mutations, and MLL-AF9 fusion, which are essential for prognosis and directing targeted therapies. The MLL-AF9 fusion protein is often linked with therapy-resistant AML, highlighting the risk of relapse due to standard chemotherapeutic regimes. In this sense, factors like the ZEB, SNAI, and TWIST gene families, known for their roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis, also regulate hematopoiesis and may serve as effective therapeutic targets in AML. These genes contribute to cell proliferation, differentiation, and extramedullary hematopoiesis, suggesting new possibilities for treatment. Advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote AML, especially how the bone marrow microenvironment affects invasion and drug resistance, is crucial. This comprehensive insight into the molecular and environmental interactions in AML emphasizes the need for ongoing research and more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Cuevas
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
| | - Roberto Amigo
- Laboratorio de Regulación Transcripcional, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
| | - Adolfo Agurto
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
| | - Adan Andreu Heredia
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
| | - Catherine Guzmán
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
| | - Antonia Recabal-Beyer
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
| | - Valentina González-Pecchi
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
| | - Teresa Caprile
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
| | - Jody J. Haigh
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Carlos Farkas
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (D.C.); (A.A.); (A.A.H.); (C.G.); (V.G.-P.)
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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5
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Masih KE, Gardner RA, Chou HC, Abdelmaksoud A, Song YK, Mariani L, Gangalapudi V, Gryder BE, Wilson AL, Adebola SO, Stanton BZ, Wang C, Milewski D, Kim YY, Tian M, Cheuk ATC, Wen X, Zhang Y, Altan-Bonnet G, Kelly MC, Wei JS, Bulyk ML, Jensen MC, Orentas RJ, Khan J. A stem cell epigenome is associated with primary nonresponse to CD19 CAR T cells in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4218-4232. [PMID: 36607839 PMCID: PMC10440404 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CD19-CAR) has changed the treatment landscape and outcomes for patients with pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Unfortunately, primary nonresponse (PNR), sustained CD19+ disease, and concurrent expansion of CD19-CAR occur in 20% of the patients and is associated with adverse outcomes. Although some failures may be attributable to CD19 loss, mechanisms of CD19-independent, leukemia-intrinsic resistance to CD19-CAR remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that PNR leukemias are distinct compared with primary sensitive (PS) leukemias and that these differences are present before treatment. We used a multiomic approach to investigate this in 14 patients (7 with PNR and 7 with PS) enrolled in the PLAT-02 trial at Seattle Children's Hospital. Long-read PacBio sequencing helped identify 1 PNR in which 47% of CD19 transcripts had exon 2 skipping, but other samples lacked CD19 transcript abnormalities. Epigenetic profiling discovered DNA hypermethylation at genes targeted by polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in embryonic stem cells. Similarly, assays of transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing revealed reduced accessibility at these PRC2 target genes, with a gain in accessibility of regions characteristic of hematopoietic stem cells and multilineage progenitors in PNR. Single-cell RNA sequencing and cytometry by time of flight analyses identified leukemic subpopulations expressing multilineage markers and decreased antigen presentation in PNR. We thus describe the association of a stem cell epigenome with primary resistance to CD19-CAR therapy. Future trials incorporating these biomarkers, with the addition of multispecific CAR T cells targeting against leukemic stem cell or myeloid antigens, and/or combined epigenetic therapy to disrupt this distinct stem cell epigenome may improve outcomes of patients with B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Masih
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Rebecca A. Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD
| | - Young K. Song
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Luca Mariani
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vineela Gangalapudi
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Berkley E. Gryder
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Ashley L. Wilson
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Serifat O. Adebola
- Immunodynamics Group, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Benjamin Z. Stanton
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Chaoyu Wang
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - David Milewski
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yong Yean Kim
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Meijie Tian
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Adam Tai-Chi Cheuk
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yue Zhang
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Grégoire Altan-Bonnet
- Immunodynamics Group, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Center for Cancer Research Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jun S. Wei
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Martha L. Bulyk
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael C. Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Rimas J. Orentas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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T22-PE24-H6 Nanotoxin Selectively Kills CXCR4-High Expressing AML Patient Cells In Vitro and Potently Blocks Dissemination In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030727. [PMID: 36986589 PMCID: PMC10054149 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the development of targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), most patients relapse. For that reason, it is still necessary to develop novel therapies that improve treatment effectiveness and overcome drug resistance. We developed T22-PE24-H6, a protein nanoparticle that contains the exotoxin A from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is able to specifically deliver this cytotoxic domain to CXCR4+ leukemic cells. Next, we evaluated the selective delivery and antitumor activity of T22-PE24-H6 in CXCR4+ AML cell lines and BM samples from AML patients. Moreover, we assessed the in vivo antitumor effect of this nanotoxin in a disseminated mouse model generated from CXCR4+ AML cells. T22-PE24-H6 showed a potent, CXCR4-dependent antineoplastic effect in vitro in the MONO-MAC-6 AML cell line. In addition, mice treated with nanotoxins in daily doses reduced the dissemination of CXCR4+ AML cells compared to buffer-treated mice, as shown by the significant decrease in BLI signaling. Furthermore, we did not observe any sign of toxicity or changes in mouse body weight, biochemical parameters, or histopathology in normal tissues. Finally, T22-PE24-H6 exhibited a significant inhibition of cell viability in CXCR4high AML patient samples but showed no activity in CXCR4low samples. These data strongly support the use of T22-PE24-H6 therapy to benefit high-CXCR4-expressing AML patients.
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Bouligny IM, Maher KR, Grant S. Mechanisms of myeloid leukemogenesis: Current perspectives and therapeutic objectives. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100996. [PMID: 35989139 PMCID: PMC10693933 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic neoplasm which results in clonal proliferation of abnormally differentiated hematopoietic cells. In this review, mechanisms contributing to myeloid leukemogenesis are summarized, highlighting aberrations of epigenetics, transcription factors, signal transduction, cell cycling, and the bone marrow microenvironment. The mechanisms contributing to AML are detailed to spotlight recent findings that convey clinical impact. The applications of current and prospective therapeutic targets are accentuated in addition to reviews of treatment paradigms stratified for each characteristic molecular lesion - with a focus on exploring novel treatment approaches and combinations to improve outcomes in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bouligny
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Keri R Maher
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Steven Grant
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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8
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Skroblyn T, Joedicke JJ, Pfau M, Krüger K, Bourquin JP, Izraeli S, Eckert C, Höpken UE. CXCR4 mediates leukemic cell migration and survival in the testicular microenvironment. J Pathol 2022; 258:12-25. [PMID: 35522562 DOI: 10.1002/path.5924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The testis is the second most frequent extramedullary site of relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The mechanism for B-cell (B) ALL cell migration towards and survival within the testis remains elusive. Here, we identified CXCL12-CXCR4 as the leading signaling axis for B-ALL cell migration and survival in the testicular leukemic niche. We combined analysis of primary human ALL with a novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-ALL mouse model with testicular involvement. Prerequisites for leukemic cell infiltration in the testis were pre-pubertal age of the recipient mice, high surface expression of CXCR4 on PDX-ALL cells, and CXCL12 secretion from the testicular stroma. Analysis of primary pediatric patient samples revealed that CXCR4 was the only chemokine receptor being robustly expressed on B-ALL cells both at the time of diagnosis and relapse. In affected patient testes, leukemic cells localized within the interstitial space in close proximity to testicular macrophages. Mouse macrophages isolated from affected testes, in the PDX model, revealed a macrophage polarization towards a M2-like phenotype in the presence of ALL cells. Therapeutically, blockade of CXCR4-mediated functions using an anti-CXCR4 antibody treatment completely abolished testicular infiltration of PDX-ALL cells and strongly impaired the overall development of leukemia. Collectively, we identified a pre-pubertal condition together with high CXCR4 expression as factors affecting the leukemia permissive testicular microenvironment. We propose CXCR4 as a promising target for therapeutic prevention of testicular relapses in childhood B-ALL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Skroblyn
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jara J Joedicke
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Translational Tumorimmunology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Madlen Pfau
- Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Krüger
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean P Bourquin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shai Izraeli
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tiqva, and Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Cornelia Eckert
- Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta E Höpken
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Cao Q, Huang C, Yi H, Gill AJ, Chou A, Foley M, Hosking CG, Lim KK, Triffon CF, Shi Y, Chen XM, Pollock CA. A single domain i-body (AD-114) attenuates renal fibrosis through blockade of CXCR4. JCI Insight 2022; 7:143018. [PMID: 35015734 PMCID: PMC8876455 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.143018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein–coupled CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a candidate therapeutic target for tissue fibrosis. A fully human single-domain antibody-like scaffold i-body AD-114-PA600 (AD-114) with specific high binding affinity to CXCR4 has been developed. To define its renoprotective role, AD-114 was administrated in a mouse model of renal fibrosis induced by folic acid (FA). Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, macrophage infiltration, inflammatory response, TGF-β1 expression, and fibroblast activation were observed in kidneys of mice with FA-induced nephropathy. These markers were normalized or partially reversed by AD-114 treatment. In vitro studies demonstrated AD-114 blocked TGF-β1–induced upregulated expression of ECM, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and downstream p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in a renal proximal tubular cell line. Additionally, these renoprotective effects were validated in a second model of unilateral ureteral obstruction using a second generation of AD-114 (Fc-fused AD-114, also named AD-214). Collectively, these results suggest a renoprotective role of AD-114 as it inhibited the chemotactic function of CXCR4 as well as blocked CXCR4 downstream p38 MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, which establish a therapeutic strategy for AD-114 targeting CXCR4 to limit renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Cao
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chunling Huang
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hao Yi
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Chou
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Foley
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chris G Hosking
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kevin K Lim
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cristina F Triffon
- The Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ying Shi
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xin-Ming Chen
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carol A Pollock
- Renal Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Identification of Protein Biomarker Signatures for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Using Both Nontargeted and Targeted Approaches. Proteomes 2021; 9:proteomes9040042. [PMID: 34842843 PMCID: PMC8628952 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by an increasing number of clonal myeloid blast cells which are incapable of differentiating into mature leukocytes. AML risk stratification is based on genetic background, which also serves as a means to identify the optimal treatment of individual patients. However, constant refinements are needed, and the inclusion of significant measurements, based on the various omics approaches that are currently available to researchers/clinicians, have the potential to increase overall accuracy with respect to patient management. Using both nontargeted (label-free mass spectrometry) and targeted (multiplex immunoassays) proteomics, a range of proteins were found to be significantly changed in AML patients with different genetic backgrounds. The inclusion of validated proteomic biomarker panels could be an important factor in the prognostic classification of AML patients. The ability to measure both cellular and secreted analytes, at diagnosis and during the course of treatment, has advantages in identifying transforming biological mechanisms in patients, assisting important clinical management decisions.
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11
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Wang W, Tan H, Sun M, Han Y, Chen W, Qiu S, Zheng K, Wei G, Ni T. Independent component analysis based gene co-expression network inference (ICAnet) to decipher functional modules for better single-cell clustering and batch integration. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e54. [PMID: 33619563 PMCID: PMC8136772 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With the tremendous increase of publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets, bioinformatics methods based on gene co-expression network are becoming efficient tools for analyzing scRNA-seq data, improving cell type prediction accuracy and in turn facilitating biological discovery. However, the current methods are mainly based on overall co-expression correlation and overlook co-expression that exists in only a subset of cells, thus fail to discover certain rare cell types and sensitive to batch effect. Here, we developed independent component analysis-based gene co-expression network inference (ICAnet) that decomposed scRNA-seq data into a series of independent gene expression components and inferred co-expression modules, which improved cell clustering and rare cell-type discovery. ICAnet showed efficient performance for cell clustering and batch integration using scRNA-seq datasets spanning multiple cells/tissues/donors/library types. It works stably on datasets produced by different library construction strategies and with different sequencing depths and cell numbers. We demonstrated the capability of ICAnet to discover rare cell types in multiple independent scRNA-seq datasets from different sources. Importantly, the identified modules activated in acute myeloid leukemia scRNA-seq datasets have the potential to serve as new diagnostic markers. Thus, ICAnet is a competitive tool for cell clustering and biological interpretations of single-cell RNA-seq data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, P.R. China
| | - Mingwan Sun
- College of Life Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, P.R. China
| | - Yiqing Han
- College of Agricultural, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P.R. China
| | - Shengnu Qiu
- Division of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P.R. China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P.R. China
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P.R. China
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12
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Su L, Hu Z, Yang YG. Role of CXCR4 in the progression and therapy of acute leukaemia. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13076. [PMID: 34050566 PMCID: PMC8249790 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is expressed on leukaemia cells and haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and its ligand stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is produced abundantly by stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM). The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays important roles in homing to and retention in the protective BM microenvironment of malignant leukaemia cells and normal HSCs. CXCR4 expression is regulated by multiple mechanisms and the level of CXCR4 expression on leukaemia cells has prognostic indications in patients with acute leukaemia. CXCR4 antagonists can mobilize leukaemia cells from BM to circulation, which render them effectively eradicated by chemotherapeutic agents, small molecular inhibitors or hypomethylating agents. Therefore, such combinational therapies have been tested in clinical trials. However, new evidence emerged that drug-resistant leukaemia cells were not affected by CXCR4 antagonists, and the migration of certain leukaemia cells to the leukaemia niche was independent of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. In this review, we summarize the role of CXCR4 in progression and treatment of acute leukaemia, with a focus on the potential of CXCR4 as a therapeutic target for acute leukaemia. We also discuss the potential value of using CXCR4 antagonists as chemosensitizer for conditioning regimens and immunosensitizer for graft-vs-leukaemia effects of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Su
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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13
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Santagata S, Ieranò C, Trotta AM, Capiluongo A, Auletta F, Guardascione G, Scala S. CXCR4 and CXCR7 Signaling Pathways: A Focus on the Cross-Talk Between Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:591386. [PMID: 33937018 PMCID: PMC8082172 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.591386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated through their shared ligand CXCL12 in multiple human cancers. They play a key role in the tumor/tumor microenvironment (TME) promoting tumor progression, targeting cell proliferation and migration, while orchestrating the recruitment of immune and stromal cells within the TME. CXCL12 excludes T cells from TME through a concentration gradient that inhibits immunoactive cells access and promotes tumor vascularization. Thus, dual CXCR4/CXCR7 inhibition will target different cancer components. CXCR4/CXCR7 antagonism should prevent the development of metastases by interfering with tumor cell growth, migration and chemotaxis and favoring the frequency of T cells in TME. Herein, we discuss the current understanding on the role of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 cross-talk in tumor progression and immune cells recruitment providing support for a combined CXCR4/CXCR7 targeting therapy. In addition, we consider emerging approaches that coordinately target both immune checkpoints and CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Auletta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
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14
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Bordron A, Bagacean C, Tempescul A, Berthou C, Bettacchioli E, Hillion S, Renaudineau Y. Complement System: a Neglected Pathway in Immunotherapy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:155-171. [PMID: 31144209 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-019-08741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Approved for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, hematological malignancies, and solid cancers, several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) make use of complement in their mechanism of action. Such an assessment is based on comprehensive investigations that used mouse models, in vitro studies, and analyses from patients at initiation (basal level to highlight deficiencies) and after treatment initiation (mAb impact on complement), which have further provided key insights into the importance of the complement activation and/or complement deficiencies in mAb activity. Accordingly, new approaches can now be developed with the final objective of increasing the clinical efficacy of mAb. These improvements include (i) the concurrent administration of fresh frozen plasma during mAb therapy; (ii) mAb modifications such as immunoglobulin G subclass switching, Fc mutation, or IgG hexamerization to improve the fixation and activation of C1q; (iii) optimization of the target recognition to induce a higher complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and/or complement-dependant cellular cytotoxicity (CDCC); and (iv) the control of soluble and cellular complement inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bordron
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Cristina Bagacean
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France.,Service d'Hématologie, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Adrian Tempescul
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France.,Service d'Hématologie, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Christian Berthou
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France.,Service d'Hématologie, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | | | - Sophie Hillion
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France.,Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Yves Renaudineau
- Inserm UMR1227, B lymphocytes and autoimmunity, University of Brest, Brest, France. .,Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHU de Brest, Brest, France.
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15
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Facts and Challenges in Immunotherapy for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207685. [PMID: 33081391 PMCID: PMC7589289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a T-cell malignant disease that mainly affects children, is still a medical challenge, especially for refractory patients for whom therapeutic options are scarce. Recent advances in immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies based on increasingly efficacious monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been encouraging for non-responding or relapsing patients suffering from other aggressive cancers like T-ALL. However, secondary life-threatening T-cell immunodeficiency due to shared expression of targeted antigens by healthy and malignant T cells is a main drawback of mAb—or CAR-based immunotherapies for T-ALL and other T-cell malignancies. This review provides a comprehensive update on the different immunotherapeutic strategies that are being currently applied to T-ALL. We highlight recent progress on the identification of new potential targets showing promising preclinical results and discuss current challenges and opportunities for developing novel safe and efficacious immunotherapies for T-ALL.
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16
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Kim BR, Jung SH, Han AR, Park G, Kim HJ, Yuan B, Battula VL, Andreeff M, Konopleva M, Chung YJ, Cho BS. CXCR4 Inhibition Enhances Efficacy of FLT3 Inhibitors in FLT3-Mutated AML Augmented by Suppressed TGF-b Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071737. [PMID: 32629802 PMCID: PMC7407511 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the proven importance of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in the stroma–acute myeloid leukemia (AML) interactions and the rapid emergence of resistance to FLT3 inhibitors, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel CXCR4 inhibitor, LY2510924, in combination with FLT3 inhibitors in preclinical models of AML with FLT3-ITD mutations (FLT3-ITD-AML). Quizartinib, a potent FLT3 inhibitor, induced apoptosis in FLT3-ITD-AML, while LY2510924 blocked surface CXCR4 without inducing apoptosis. LY2510924 significantly reversed stroma-mediated resistance against quizartinib mainly through the MAPK pathway. In mice with established FLT3-ITD-AML, LY2510924 induced durable mobilization and differentiation of leukemia cells, resulting in enhanced anti-leukemia effects when combined with quizartinib, whereas transient effects were seen on non-leukemic blood cells in immune-competent mice. Sequencing of the transcriptome of the leukemic cells surviving in vivo treatment with quizartinib and LY2510924 revealed that genes related to TGF-β signaling may confer resistance against the drug combination. In co-culture experiments of FLT3-ITD-AML and stromal cells, both silencing of TGF-β in stromal cells or TGF-β-receptor kinase inhibitor enhanced apoptosis by combined treatment. Disruption of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in FLT3-ITD-AML by LY2510924 and its negligible effects on normal immunocytes could safely enhance the potency of quizartinib, which may be further improved by blockade of TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Reum Kim
- Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (B.-R.K.); (A.-R.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Seung-Hyun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
- Department of Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - A-Reum Han
- Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (B.-R.K.); (A.-R.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Gyeongsin Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Hee-Je Kim
- Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (B.-R.K.); (A.-R.H.); (H.-J.K.)
- Department of Hematology, Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Bin Yuan
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Y.); (V.L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Venkata Lokesh Battula
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Y.); (V.L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Y.); (V.L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yeun-Jun Chung
- Department of Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.C.); (B.-S.C.)
| | - Byung-Sik Cho
- Leukemia Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (B.-R.K.); (A.-R.H.); (H.-J.K.)
- Department of Hematology, Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Y.); (V.L.B.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.C.); (B.-S.C.)
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17
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An Auristatin nanoconjugate targeting CXCR4+ leukemic cells blocks acute myeloid leukemia dissemination. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:36. [PMID: 32295630 PMCID: PMC7160905 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy fails to eliminate quiescent leukemic blasts in the bone marrow, leading to about 50% of patient relapse by increasing AML burden in the bone marrow, blood, and extramedullar sites. We developed a protein-based nanoparticle conjugated to the potent antimitotic agent Auristatin E that selectively targets AML blasts because of their CXCR4 receptor overexpression (CXCR4+) as compared to normal cells. The therapeutic rationale is based on the involvement of CXCR4 overexpression in leukemic blast homing and quiescence in the bone marrow, and the association of these leukemic stem cells with minimal residual disease, dissemination, chemotherapy resistance, and lower patient survival. Methods Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE) was conjugated with the CXCR4 targeted protein nanoparticle T22-GFP-H6 produced in E. coli. Nanoconjugate internalization and in vitro cell viability assays were performed in CXCR4+ AML cell lines to analyze the specific antineoplastic activity through the CXCR4 receptor. In addition, a disseminated AML animal model was used to evaluate the anticancer effect of T22-GFP-H6-Auristatin in immunosuppressed NSG mice (n = 10/group). U of Mann-Whitney test was used to consider if differences were significant between groups. Results T22-GFP-H6-Auristatin was capable to internalize and exert antineoplastic effects through the CXCR4 receptor in THP-1 and SKM-1 CXCR4+ AML cell lines. In addition, repeated administration of the T22-GFP-H6-Auristatin nanoconjugate (9 doses daily) achieves a potent antineoplastic activity by internalizing specifically in the leukemic cells (luminescent THP-1) to selectively eliminate them. This leads to reduced involvement of leukemic cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, liver, and spleen, while avoiding toxicity in normal tissues in a luminescent disseminated AML mouse model. Conclusions A novel nanoconjugate for targeted drug delivery of Auristatin reduces significantly the acute myeloid leukemic cell burden in the bone marrow and blood and blocks its dissemination to extramedullar organs in a CXCR4+ AML model. This selective drug delivery approach validates CXCR4+ AML cells as a target for clinical therapy, not only promising to improve the control of leukemic dissemination but also dramatically reducing the severe toxicity of classical AML therapy.
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18
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Tsaouli G, Barbarulo A, Vacca A, Screpanti I, Felli MP. Molecular Mechanisms of Notch Signaling in Lymphoid Cell Lineages Development: NF-κB and Beyond. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1227:145-164. [PMID: 32072504 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36422-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Notch is a ligand-receptor interaction-triggered signaling cascade highly conserved, that influences multiple lineage decisions within the hematopoietic and the immune system. It is a recognized model of intercellular communication that plays an essential role in embryonic as well as in adult immune cell development and homeostasis. Four members belong to the family of Notch receptors (Notch1-4), and each of them plays nonredundant functions at several developmental stages. Canonical and noncanonical pathways of Notch signaling are multifaceted drivers of immune cells biology. In fact, increasing evidence highlighted Notch as an important modulator of immune responses, also in cancer microenvironment. In these contexts, multiple transduction signals, including canonical and alternative NF-κB pathways, play a relevant role. In this chapter, we will first describe the critical role of Notch and NF-κB signals in lymphoid lineages developing in thymus: natural killer T cells, thymocytes, and thymic T regulatory cells. We will address also the role played by ligand expressing cells. Given the importance of Notch/NF-κB cross talk, its role in T-cell leukemia development and progression will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tsaouli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbarulo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - I Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - M P Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Bobkov V, Arimont M, Zarca A, De Groof TWM, van der Woning B, de Haard H, Smit MJ. Antibodies Targeting Chemokine Receptors CXCR4 and ACKR3. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 96:753-764. [PMID: 31481460 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.116954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the chemokine system is implicated in a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancer. Modulation of chemokine receptor function is a very promising approach for therapeutic intervention. Despite interest from academic groups and pharmaceutical companies, there are currently few approved medicines targeting chemokine receptors. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody-based molecules have been successfully applied in the clinical therapy of cancer and represent a potential new class of therapeutics targeting chemokine receptors belonging to the class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Besides conventional mAbs, single-domain antibodies and antibody scaffolds are also gaining attention as promising therapeutics. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of mAbs, single-domain antibodies, and other antibody fragments targeting CXCR4 and ACKR3, formerly referred to as CXCR7. We discuss their unique properties and advantages over small-molecule compounds, and also refer to the molecules in preclinical and clinical development. We focus on single-domain antibodies and scaffolds and their utilization in GPCR research. Additionally, structural analysis of antibody binding to CXCR4 is discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Modulating the function of GPCRs, and particularly chemokine receptors, draws high interest. A comprehensive review is provided for monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, and variants directed at CXCR4 and ACKR3. Their advantageous functional properties, versatile applications as research tools, and use in the clinic are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Bobkov
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Marta Arimont
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Aurélien Zarca
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Bas van der Woning
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Hans de Haard
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
| | - Martine J Smit
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (V.B., M.A., A.Z., T.W.M.D.G., M.J.S.); and argenx BVBA, Zwijnaarde, Belgium (V.B., B.W., H.H.)
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20
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Costa MJ, Kudaravalli J, Ma JT, Ho WH, Delaria K, Holz C, Stauffer A, Chunyk AG, Zong Q, Blasi E, Buetow B, Tran TT, Lindquist K, Dorywalska M, Rajpal A, Shelton DL, Strop P, Liu SH. Optimal design, anti-tumour efficacy and tolerability of anti-CXCR4 antibody drug conjugates. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2443. [PMID: 30792442 PMCID: PMC6384886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are promising therapies for haematological cancers. Historically, their therapeutic benefit is due to ADC targeting of lineage-restricted antigens. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is attractive for targeted therapy of haematological cancers, given its expression in multiple tumour types and role in cancer "homing" to bone marrow. However, CXCR4 is also expressed in haematopoietic cells and other normal tissues, raising safety challenges to the development of anti-CXCR4 ADCs for cancer treatment. Here, we designed the first anti-CXCR4 ADC with favourable therapeutic index, effective in xenografts of haematopoietic cancers resistant to standard of care and anti-CXCR4 antibodies. We screened multiple ADC configurations, by varying type of linker-payload, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR), affinity and Fc format. The optimal ADC bears a non-cleavable linker, auristatin as payload at DAR = 4 and a low affinity antibody with effector-reduced Fc. Contrary to other drugs targeting CXCR4, anti-CXCR4 ADCs effectively eliminated cancer cells as monotherapy, while minimizing leucocytosis. The optimal ADC selectively eliminated CXCR4+ cancer cells in solid tumours, but showed limited toxicity to normal CXCR4+ tissues, sparing haematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. Our work provides proof-of-concept that through empirical ADC design, it is possible to target proteins with broad normal tissue expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Costa
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Jyothirmayee Kudaravalli
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jing-Tyan Ma
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Wei-Hsien Ho
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Alector, 151, Oyster Point Blvd, suite 300, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Kathy Delaria
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Grifols Diagnostic Solutions, 6455 Christie Ave B-334C, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Charles Holz
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Grifols Diagnostic Solutions, 6455 Christie Ave B-334C, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Angela Stauffer
- BioMedicine Design, Medicinal Sciences, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Allison Given Chunyk
- BioMedicine Design, Medicinal Sciences, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Qing Zong
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Eileen Blasi
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Bernard Buetow
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 10646 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Thomas-Toan Tran
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, 630 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Kevin Lindquist
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Magdalena Dorywalska
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Arvind Rajpal
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Bristol-Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Rd suite A, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - David L Shelton
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Pavel Strop
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Bristol-Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Rd suite A, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Shu-Hui Liu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.,Multitude Therapeutics, Abmart, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
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21
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Leukemia Stem Cells in the Pathogenesis, Progression, and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1143:95-128. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7342-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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22
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Bobkov V, Zarca AM, Van Hout A, Arimont M, Doijen J, Bialkowska M, Toffoli E, Klarenbeek A, van der Woning B, van der Vliet HJ, Van Loy T, de Haard H, Schols D, Heukers R, Smit MJ. Nanobody-Fc constructs targeting chemokine receptor CXCR4 potently inhibit signaling and CXCR4-mediated HIV-entry and induce antibody effector functions. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:413-424. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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23
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Schürch CM. Therapeutic Antibodies for Myeloid Neoplasms-Current Developments and Future Directions. Front Oncol 2018; 8:152. [PMID: 29868474 PMCID: PMC5968093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as antibody-drug conjugates, ligand-receptor antagonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific T cell engagers have shown impressive efficacy in the treatment of multiple human cancers. Numerous therapeutic mAbs that have been developed for myeloid neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), are currently investigated in clinical trials. Because AML and MDS originate from malignantly transformed hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells-the so-called leukemic stem cells (LSCs) that are highly resistant to most standard drugs-these malignancies frequently relapse and have a high disease-specific mortality. Therefore, combining standard chemotherapy with antileukemic mAbs that specifically target malignant blasts and particularly LSCs or utilizing mAbs that reinforce antileukemic host immunity holds great promise for improving patient outcomes. This review provides an overview of therapeutic mAbs for AML and MDS. Antibody targets, the molecular mechanisms of action, the efficacy in preclinical leukemia models, and the results of clinical trials are discussed. New developments and future studies of therapeutic mAbs in myeloid neoplasms will advance our understanding of the immunobiology of these diseases and enhance current therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M. Schürch
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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24
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Costa MJ, Kudaravalli J, Liu WH, Stock J, Kong S, Liu SH. A mouse model for evaluation of efficacy and concomitant toxicity of anti-human CXCR4 therapeutics. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194688. [PMID: 29554149 PMCID: PMC5858835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies through mouse immunization often originates drug candidates that are not cross-reactive to the mouse ortholog. In such cases, and particularly in oncology, drug efficacy studies are performed on human tumor xenografts or with "surrogate" anti-mouse ortholog antibodies if targeting tumor host cells. Safety assessment of drug candidate(s) is performed at a later development stage in healthy non-human primates. While the latter remains necessary before a drug advances into human subjects, it precludes evaluation of safety in disease conditions and drug de-risking during early development. Therefore, mouse models that allow concomitant evaluation of drug efficacy and safety are highly desirable. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is an attractive target for tumor-targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, with multiple mouse immunization-derived antibodies undergoing clinical trials. Given the pleiotropic role of CXCR4 in cancer biology, we anticipate continuous interest in this target, particularly in the testing of therapeutic combinations for immuno-oncology. Here, we describe the generation and validation of the first mouse knock-in of the whole coding region of human CXCR4. Homozygous human CXCR4 knock-in (hereafter designated as HuCXCR4KI) mice were viable and outwardly healthy, reproduced normally and nursed their young. The expression pattern of human CXCR4 in this model was similar to that of CXCR4 expression in normal human tissues. The human CXCR4 knock-in gene was expressed as a biologically active protein, thereby allowing normal animal development and adequate"homing" of leukocytes to the bone marrow. To further validate our model, we used an in vivo functional assay of leukocyte mobilization from bone marrow to peripheral blood by blocking CXCR4 signaling. Both an anti-human CXCR4 -specific blocking antibody and the small molecule CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 induced increased leukocyte counts in peripheral blood, whereas an anti-mouse CXCR4 -specific blocking antibody had no effect. This new mouse model is useful to evaluate efficacy and safety of anti-human CXCR4 -specific drugs as single agents or in combination therapies, particularly in the oncology, immuno-oncology, wound healing and chronic inflammation therapeutic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Costa
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jyothirmayee Kudaravalli
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wen-Hui Liu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Stock
- Discovery Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sophanna Kong
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Shu-Hui Liu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
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25
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Kumar R, Godavarthy PS, Krause DS. The bone marrow microenvironment in health and disease at a glance. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/4/jcs201707. [PMID: 29472498 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.201707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) is the 'domicile' of hematopoietic stem cells, as well as of malignant processes that can develop there. Multiple and complex interactions with the BMM influence hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) physiology, but also the pathophysiology of hematological malignancies. Reciprocally, hematological malignancies alter the BMM, in order to render it more hospitable for malignant progression. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we highlight concepts of the normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cell niches. We present the intricacies of the BMM in malignancy and provide approaches for targeting the interactions between malignant cells and their BMM. This is done in an effort to augment existing treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - P Sonika Godavarthy
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniela S Krause
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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26
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Cuesta-Mateos C, Alcaraz-Serna A, Somovilla-Crespo B, Muñoz-Calleja C. Monoclonal Antibody Therapies for Hematological Malignancies: Not Just Lineage-Specific Targets. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1936. [PMID: 29387053 PMCID: PMC5776327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a widespread and necessary tool for biomedical science. In the hematological cancer field, since rituximab became the first mAb approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, a number of effective mAbs targeting lineage-specific antigens (LSAs) have been successfully developed. Non-LSAs (NLSAs) are molecules that are not restricted to specific leukocyte subsets or tissues but play relevant pathogenic roles in blood cancers including the development, proliferation, survival, and refractoriness to therapy of tumor cells. In consequence, efforts to target NLSAs have resulted in a plethora of mAbs-marketed or in development-to achieve different goals like neutralizing oncogenic pathways, blocking tumor-related chemotactic pathways, mobilizing malignant cells from tumor microenvironment to peripheral blood, modulating immune-checkpoints, or delivering cytotoxic drugs into tumor cells. Here, we extensively review several novel mAbs directed against NLSAs undergoing clinical evaluation for treating hematological malignancies. The review focuses on the structure of these antibodies, proposed mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety profile in clinical studies, and their potential applications in the treatment of hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Alcaraz-Serna
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Somovilla-Crespo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Muñoz-Calleja
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Teixidó J, Martínez-Moreno M, Díaz-Martínez M, Sevilla-Movilla S. The good and bad faces of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 95:121-131. [PMID: 29288743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that promote cell migration and activation under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Chemokines bind to seven transmembrane-spanning receptors that are coupled to heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins, which are the responsible for intracellularly transmitting the activating signals for cell migration. Hematopoiesis, vascular development, lymphoid organ morphogenesis, cardiogenesis and neural differentiation are amongst the processes involving chemokine function. In addition, immune cell trafficking from bone marrow to blood circulation, and from blood and lymph to lymphoid and inflamed tissues, is tightly regulated by chemokines both under physiological conditions and also in autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, chemokine binding to their receptors stimulate trafficking to and positioning of cancer cells into target tissues and organs during tumour dissemination. The CXCL12 chemokine (also known as stromal-cell derived factor-1α, SDF-1α) plays key roles in hematopoiesis and lymphoid tissue architecture, in cardiogenesis, vascular formation and neurogenesis, as well as in the trafficking of solid and hematological cancer cell types. CXCL12 binds to the CXCR4 receptor, a multi-facetted molecule which tightly mirrors CXCL12 functions in homeostasis and disease. This review addresses the important roles of the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis in homeostasis, specially focusing in hematopoiesis, as well as it provides a picture of CXCR4 as mediator of cancer cell spreading, and a view of the available CXCR4 antagonists in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Teixidó
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mónica Martínez-Moreno
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Díaz-Martínez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Sevilla-Movilla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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